Previewing the Top Infield Position Battles in Spring Training

Teams from all over the league are finally getting into the swing of spring training, as pitchers and catchers have been around for a week now and position players are making their way in with plenty of drills and batting practice looming.

Spring training provides young players and seasoned veterans alike with the opportunity to prove themselves worthy of a spot on an Opening Day roster, and while cuts are a ways off, the pressure is always palpable.

With less than a week separating us from the first Cactus and Grapefruit League games, here are some positional battles that could become focal points for some teams as players take to the diamond.

First Base: Minnesota Twins

For the first time in what feels like a few years, Minnesota Twins first baseman Justin Morneau is finally heading into spring training healthy.

His power wasn't fully up to speed in 2012, but the Canadian slugger did manage to go deep 19 times in 134 games, the most he's played since 2009.

Morneau will be a free agent after the season, and with uncertainty surrounding his future in Minnesota, he could end up being traded as the team continues to rebuild.

If they look to follow that direction, Chris Parmelee could see more action at first base. He played in 64 games last season—38 at first base—and while he's also been used in the outfield at times, the team's depth in the outfield could make him a viable replacement for Morneau at first.

Second Base: St. Louis Cardinals

Heading into the 2013 season the St. Louis Cardinals appear to be looking toward utilizing Daniel Descalso as their primary second baseman.

With a .227/.303/.324 line last season, he showed enough promise on both sides of the game to earn a shot.

Matt Carpenter doesn't appear to be in the picture as a potential second baseman in St. Louis, but the infielder could still be an intriguing option, as his offensive abilities could prove to be an asset if they could fit him into the middle of the infield.